Menstrual cramps or period cramps are pains that occur in the lower abdomen. They are painful and throbbing. Period cramps often occur just before and during period for most women. Menstrual cramps can easily spread to the back and thighs but usually it’s felt as a muscle cramp in the tummy.
Period pain comes in constant intense spams, sometimes it is dull but it remains constant, it varies with each period. Sometimes the period may cause painful cramps while others may cause little to no discomfort. Menstrual cramps are annoying for some women while for others they can be severe enough to interfere with their daily activities and cause immense discomfort for a few days every month.
Endometriosis or uterine fibroids can cause period cramps and treating such conditions is the key to reducing the pain. Period pains that aren’t caused due to underlying conditions often lesson with age and after giving birth. Menstrual cramps are caused by prostaglandins which are a type of compounds. For women, it is very common to feel discomfort in lower back, around abdomen and thighs. While you’re menstruating muscles or your womb contract and relax to expel the built up lining as your egg is not fertilized, hence the cramps that you experience are your muscles at work.
Symptoms Of Period Cramps
Symptoms of period cramps and discomfort often differ for women as some may experience few while others may experience all the mentioned symptoms, they are as follows:-
- Pain in your lower abdomen that is throbbing and constantly intense
- Constant pain that starts 1 to 3 days prior to your period and peaks 24 hours after the onset of your period and then subsides in 2 to 3 days
- Continuous, dull ache
- Period pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs
- Some women may also experience Nausea which leads to weakness and discomfort.
- Loose stools during periods are also experienced by some women.
- Headache and uneasiness leads to interruptions in daily tasks.
- Dizziness and mood swings
- Loss of appetite and feeling nauseated at the sight of food.
How To Relieve Period Cramps Fast?
Although period cramps are painful and you have to deal with them every month, there are some home remedies for menstrual cramps which are from mild to moderate. With these easy to follow methods you may get some relief during your periods.
Apply Heat
A warm bath or hearing pad placed on your abdomen can offer period cramps relief as applying heat to lower back and abdomen is a effective way of relaxing your muscles. So curling up in your bed with heating pad and blankets offers you comfort and relief to a great extent.
Gentle Exercises
Exercising releases chemical called endorphins in our body which act as natural pain relievers. So light exercises during periods can provide relief from period pains while also keeping you healthy with your workout regime. Light yoga and stretches work fine if your pain is too intense for working out.
Drink Fluids
It is important to stay hydrated during periods as hydrated body reduces bloating during periods which causes discomfort leading to worsened cramps. Drinking fluids can save you from being bloated.
Anti-inflammatory Food
Avoid eating fatty foods and eat a balanced diet. Include vegetables and fruits in your diet for healthy body. Excess salt intake encourages fluid retention which leads to bloating, so it is best to reduce salt intake in your food. Drinking herbal tea proves helpful as it is warm and soothing, it may also help in offering relief from period cramps.
Massage
Massaging your lower back and abdomen gently with essential oils or coconut oil can offer significant period cramps relief during your painful days.
Reduce Stress and Relax
Calming your body with deep breathing exercises keeps stress at bay while relaxing your mind and body. This in turn gives much required period pain relief as your muscles expand and loosen.
Step Out in The Sun
Exposure to Vitamin D reduces the production of prostaglandins that causes the uterus to contract and sun is a great source of vitamin D. Taking supplementary dose of vitamin D eases the intensity of pain, offering an easy period cramp remedy.
Medicine For Period Cramps
Despite all these Home remedies for menstrual cramp if the pain persists, you may want to take an over-the-counter period pain medicine but before taking any period pain tablets be sure to always seek an expert advice.
Painkillers and other medicines may help you to get relief from the pain or anything that relaxes your muscles can prove to be a remedy by counteracting the contractions that cause cramps. As every woman’s body works differently So over time, you are sure to find your very own mix of period cramp relief that works perfectly fine for you. Period cramps are common but in case of severe pain you may want to see a doctor.
Conclusion
Getting cramps and mild discomfort during periods is completely normal and nothing to worry about. But, if it gets to a point where it starts to interfere with your daily life, it is wise to schedule a visit to your gynaecologist’s as it is important to understand your body and treat the underlying causes.
During periods, two or three days of menstrual discomfort is considered to be normal but having bad period cramps the entire time is not normal They may start the day of or day just before the bleeding starts, however, they should not continue all the way until the end of your period.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279324/#
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6214933/
